Southside Data Centre Development Timeline & Public Consultation
Where we are, and where we are going
The proposed Southside Data Centre is in its early stages of development. Technical assessments and environmental studies are currently underway, meaning feedback from local communities can actively inform the design before a formal proposal is finalised.
Rather than presenting a completed design for absolute acceptance, the project team is engaging with local residents and stakeholders early in the process. This ensures that the formal planning application, when submitted, is thoroughly informed by local context and regional insights.
The planning process so far
To explore the potential of this opportunity further, in December 2025, Sunlaws Development Company Limited submitted a Request for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Screening Opinion to the Scottish Borders Council (application no. 25/01835/SCR).
An EIA Screening Opinion informs the environmental assessment requirements of a project, should an application for Planning Permission be submitted. The result of the EIA Screening Request was announced in February 2026. Scottish Borders Council has advised that the Proposed Development should be considered under the EIA Regulations, and the project will therefore proceed with the work required to satisfy the EIA Regulations as part of the preparation for a Planning Application.
Preliminary development timeline
At this early stage of the project the preliminary timeline is shown below, this timeline will be updated as the project progresses.
Public Consultation details
The proposed development is at an early stage in terms of the design and environmental studies, and the developers are committed to engaging with local communities to understand concerns so that they can be addressed prior to the submission of a planning application.
The first two public consultation events were held in Longformacus and Westruther. There will be further events ahead of a planning application, and all future events will be announced here and through local communications.
Public Consultations
Public Exhibition, 4 June 2026
Thursday 4 June, 13:00 to 19:00 Longformacus Village Hall, Duns Road, Longformacus, Scottish Borders, TD11 3PB
Public Exhibition, 10 June 2026
Wednesday 10 June, 13:00 to 19:00 Westruther Village Hall, Westruther, Gordon, Scottish Borders, TD3 6ND
Future events to be announced
Southside Data Centre public exhibition banners
Your feedback matters
Every response submitted through the consultation process will be reviewed and taken into consideration as the project develops. It should be noted that any forms completed will be included in the Pre-Application Consultation (PAC) report that is required to be submitted with any future planning application.
It is also important to clarify that comments made at this stage do not count as formal public representation to the planning authority, the Scottish Borders Council. When a planning application is submitted, there will be a full and formal opportunity for members of the public to make representations to the council directly. All affected residents and interested parties will be informed of how to do so when that stage is reached.
We would encourage anyone with concerns, questions or ideas to engage with the process now. The planning system works best when it reflects the full range of views of the communities affected, and that applies as much to those with reservations as to those who support the proposal. This process is designed to surface concerns early, so that they can be addressed.
Ready to share your views?
The feedback form takes just a few minutes to complete, and every response is read by the project team. This is the most direct way to make your questions, concerns or ideas part of the official record, ahead of any planning application.